I couldn’t resist asking the question, though. According to some cultural scientists (most prominently Dr. Willa Stillwater), the very point of MJ’s work was to challenge our categories. By refusing to ”fit in” anywhere, he forced us to rethink the way we put labels on things. (Like the traditional notion ”rock = white”, ”r’n’b = black”.) That’s why, I think, many people are repulsed and prefer to ignore him even in the cases where he’s indeed relevant. Like in this – otherwise excellent – ”History of Rock”.

Given that the "History of Rock" was from a Richard Linklater film featuring Jack Black, and that it is very much a history of rock, I don't think old MJ fits in. He would feature very prominently, I'm sure, if it were a history of pop.